Bristol the Pistol Dodges Bullet, Fox Ousted on "Dancing"

Receive the latest television updates in your inbox

In this publicity image released by ABC, Rick Fox and his partner Cheryl Burke perform on the celebrity dance competition series, "Dancing with the Stars," Monday, Nov. 1, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ABC, Adam Larkey)

It appears that the fancy footwork Rick Fox used to show on the hardwood for the L.A. Lakers wasn't enough to keep him from being ushered off the dance floor.

The former NBA star was the latest in a line of shocking eliminations on the most recent episode of "Dancing With the Stars," reports Entertainment Weekly, despite the fact that he landed in the middle of the leader board for his foxtrot efforts Tuesday night.

"We were the couple going home," Fox said after the news was announced. "It's a lot of work put in; you don't visualize going home, you visualize being here every week. But it's now something that both [Cheryl Burke and I are] processing for the first time."

Burke was also let down by their ouster.

Top Entertainment Photos

"Rick and I have developed such a good relationship and such open communication," she said. "It's something I've never had with previous partners. I've learned a lot from Rick. I'm going to miss his stories and his friendship."

Celebrity Twitpics

Informed speculation centered on Bristol Palin's luck finally running out, but the daughter of Sarah Palin will live to fight another day.

"I'm relieved and shocked," she laughed after making the cut. "Can't believe we made it another week, but I'm thankful for the fans that voted for us."

Palin has expressed a desire to end her time on the show, saying in the confessional that she's ready to be done with her experience.

Famous Feuds: Gwyneth vs. Martha

"I'm tired. I wanna go home. I wanna see my son. I'm just exhausted," she said.

It remains to be seen if the audience will grant Palin her wish next week.

The episode also featured the return of several old cast members who competed for Special Dance Awards over the course of the evening. Marie Osmond won the "Most Dramatic" award over Kelly Monaco and Kate Gosselin, while Kenny Mayne beat out Master P and Billy Ray Cyrus for the two-left award.

Taylor Swift and Rod Stewart also made special performances on the show, singing some of their best-known hits.